The tragic decline of BlackBerry Limited has been swift and unstoppable. This Canadian icon, which once literally defined the smartphone, is a shell of its former self. Over the past six years, consumers have gradually ditched the clunky phones for svelte and sleek Android and iOS devices. But there’s a category of user that’s less fickle, and has stuck with the BlackBerry through thick-and-thin. I’m referring to business and government users.

It’s hard to put a finger on the reason why. No small part is because people — and more realistically corporate IT departments — have become used to BlackBerry devices, and have no impetus to change.

But probably the biggest reason is because BlackBerry devices have a much-deserved reputation for security. Throughout its history, people have trusted BlackBerry phones in the way they haven’t Android devices, Palm Pilots, and even iPhones. Even in 2016, BlackBerry devices continue to set the standard for security and trust. Here’s why.

Making All the Right Moves

It’s hard to believe it right now, but during the early-to-mid 2000’s – when the company was called Research in Motion (RIM) – it made all the correct decisions to guarantee its success. Before anyone was talking about mobile security, RIM built a fundamentally secure mobile operating system.

The nucleus of BlackBerry OS was the subscription-based email service. At the time, RIM was unique in offering ‘push’ functionality.

The moment an email arrived in a user’s inbox, it would be pushed to their handset. This instantaneous delivery, plus the pavlovian chime that was made whenever one arrived, had an almost narcotic effect on the users, and resulted in the phones being nicknamed ‘Crackberries’.

This sounds incredibly quaint right now. Push email and SSL are both commonplace. However, it’s worth remembering that at the start of the 2000’s, they weren’t.

Another advantage BlackBerry possessed was the ability for an IT department to remotely administer devices.

Corporate BlackBerry devices were connected to a BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES). This meant that if an employee lost one on the bus, or in a café, the IT department could remotely wipe them. This limited the chance of any embarrassing data loss incidents.

It also meant that corporate IT departments could control the minutia of each device. If a company was concerned about someone exfiltrating sensitive information by taking photos of corporate documents, it could disable the cameras on each connected BlackBerry device.

Finally, BES made it easy to deploy multiple mobile devices on one fell swoop. Rather than having an IT worker configuring each phone manually, BES made it possible to deploy hundreds of devices simultaneously.

These factors made BlackBerry OS the most secure in the world, and ideal for cautious corporate IT departments. The devices could even be seen in the hands of world leaders. When Obama was elected in 2007, he fought tooth-and-nail with the Secret Service for the right to keep his beloved BlackBerry.

More importantly, BlackBerry 10 was highly secure. In the annual Pwn2Own contests, BlackBerry 10 devices were unscathed, while iPhones and Android phones were routinely compromised. It had integrated anti-virus powered by Trend Micro, and filesystem-level encryption. It was almost bulletproof.

That wasn’t enough. Towards the end of 2014, it became apparent that there was little room for a third player in the smartphone race. Even Windows Phone was struggling. The decision was made to switch to Android.

Just like its predecessors, it has an incredible emphasis on security. This goes as low-level as the supply chain, where each device is “signed” with a digital key, to prevent tampering. Modifications to the Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and SELinux make it harder for malware to exploit vulnerabilities in Android. Also included is an app called DTEK, which passively monitors the device for any suspicious behavior.

It’s hard to understate how heavily modified the variant of Android running on the BlackBerry Priv has been. There have been hundreds of tweaks and changes, which have had the cumulative effect of making it almost invincible. It’s perhaps the most fundamentally secure Android smartphone on the market.

Beyond devices, BlackBerry Limited is focusing on enterprise-level services which make other Android devices more secure. The latest version of the BlackBerry Enterprise Server — BES12 — now comes with support for Samsung KNOX and Android at Work.

But at the higher-end of the smartphone market, we see what “secure” truly means. Take Solarin by Sirin Labs, for example.

At $16,000, Solarin is probably the most expensive smartphone money can buy, rivalling offerings made by Virtu — the UK-based and Nokia-owned luxury phone manufacturer. In addition to being sold through their website, Sirin Labs own a shop in London’s luxe Mayfair district, as well as London Heathrow Airport. You won’t get this on a 24-month phone contract!

You’re probably never going to own this phone. You probably won’t need to. If you’re that concerned about your privacy, a Priv will do. But, one day, could we see Angela Merkel ditch her BlackBerry for it? Perhaps.

Do You Still Use a BlackBerry?

I want to hear why. Is it because of security and privacy, or something else? Let me know in the comments below.

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Mike

February 9, 2018 at 10:19 pm

I just started using BlackBerry classic a few days ago. I absolutely love it! I made the switch because I am tired of Google's bullshit and I can't afford an iPhone... it has its shortcomings, yes, but I am learning to live with them

I have always been an android user - while my family and my husband now ex-husband were all fans of apple. About half-way through 2017 I switched to apple hoping it would be more secure after being hacked only to go through too many ipads and iphones to find out otherwise!!! This is why I finally got smart and chose blackberry!

Sure you can buy an isheep phone or the samsheep phone if you want but to be like all the sheep out there but it's not for me.

I have a friend that uses an isheep phone for work and if he turns the screen brightness down to min, turns off the Bluetooth & wifi and never plays music he might be lucky to get half a days use out of the phone! I have alled the 3,500 mah battery to my 9900 Bold and get 2 days use no problem.

The 9900 Bold is basically "bombproof" - and if the keyboard finally fails after 6 years of constant use (like mine did) then for £3.50 you can buy a new keyboard from the favourite auction site - 3 mins to install it yourself!

I use a blackberry because I do not wish to have a daily "report" of all my phone's activities go to apple or google. That is "security" to me. I despise google and apple for their invasion of privacy. can you tell me is the new blackberry/android products still "report" to android/google? thank you.

I have a Blackberry Bold 9900. I've just ordered a new battery in the hopes it will make the machine work again. I like the way BB thinks (I'm 61, a technophile and I grew up on BB - so I have a predisposition for BB). I also LOVE the compact, dense feel of the machine. It fits into my hand. It discourages me wasting time on the internet because of the small screen size. Small. Logical.

I am using BlackBerry Passport. It is great device, but I have to switch it for BlackBerry Keyone becouse of social média which I need for my job. Apps from studio 10 ( Linkedin, FCB) does not work right in my current device.

I'm still using a BlackBerry Q10. To me it's the perfect phone: keyboard for accurate typing, perfect shape and size, good sized screen, efficient OS (once you get used to it), fast, reliable, logical, decent camera. I only bought it out of curiosity and for the keyboard, but I really like it.

That said, it helps that I have a tablet which I use for Android apps, and I'm not that reliant on any apps anyway (except Spotify, which you can get on BB OS10 believe it or not). If I were someone who used my phone more than a computer, I probably would need an android phone though.

WOW! This is amazing! I was inquiring about downgrading from my iPhone once my contract expires in February and literally Spotify was the reason I was hesitant! Great news! I want a BB because I want to live more simplistic and not be so inclined to use social media just because I have access 24/7 lol

I have a Z30 which works perfectly it got the latest 10.3.3.2031 last week, I have a spare new one for when this dies. Android and Apple are not for me. The Phone and OS are perfect, no clunky app-crap, super antenna, it just does everything with effortless class.

Im confused, i have a passport and im not sure if i should get rid of it, all of this talk about security when every app requires acces to your files contact camera microphone etc without the ability to turn that access off in many apps. Without cracking it, theres no usable apps like: word excel google maps waze. how is this secure when developers can access all of my information and contact's information. Are the app permissions nothing to worry about? I was excited to get the phone though the features to protect my data and privacy as well as the lengths i have to go(also further compromising my privacy with third party apps) to have usable apps is making it seem archaic.

Yep, my z10 is still alive and kicking. I've always preferred Blackberry to iOS and Android. Why did they bother to survey us diehards before launching z10? I sent a wishlist for business apps, remote printing, etc. and was happy with some of the improvements but don't care for the assistant.
I access social media via the web browser and know that I'm missing out on a lot of fun apps but I like knowing that my phone is basically clutter and virus free. Hopeful for a rebound this year and looking forward to see what Chen will do to enhance security in the next rev.

I'm happy with my Blackberry Classic for it's security, physical keypad, the looks of the device - and because it's different! It has this nostalgic feeling about it. As long as android-users are able to download BBM on their device so they can communicate with Blackberry-users.. I'm good. Don't even need Whatsapp. BBM is safer anyway.

It's May 2017 and I still using my 9320 with BIS Full Service. I use 8 email accounts, some BBM groups, and administer some channel. I like how the OS 7.1 works and the pocketable size 9320 matters in the giant grip era. I have an iPhone 5s, but I just proud to still keep my 9320 juicing my day.

I love the old Blackberries, not for all their security etc.., but because the older ones are neat, rugged phones which easily fit in a pocket. Particularly if doing hard manual work. I also prefer the physical keyboard to the glass ones. I just wish one of the current major brands would produce a bit of equally practical hardware to match the older small Blackberries.

It's 2017 and yes! I am still using a Blackberry! First, still love the keyboard! I could type War and Peace on it, if needed, versus typing on the glass. However, that is not the main reason. I work in a mission critical environment. I can,t afford to miss an email, text, or message from key contacts. This means when I am awake, asleep, or in a noisy environment. With BB I can filter alerts (email, SMS, or phone) to ring, vibrate or light a specific color for a specific contact. I can even filter the body of a text or email due to the presence of a specified word! Try that on an android or iOS device. Also, I can set it to alert like a pager to keep alerting until I respond.

I have read many articles about filtered alerts using gmail functions or VIP. However, none come anywhere close to these features! I'd likely make the swap, if they did. For now, BB it is.

I have used a bb since 2000. At that time no other device came close. What was on offer, Sony Ericsson, Samsung Nokia to name a few, all with rubbish OS. The BlackBerry was miles ahead in every department. Emails, BBM, security a perfect business tool. I've had many, at the moment I'm trying to hold on t my P 9982 which is going to be difficult once we lose WhatsApp. Don't get me wrong, I'm not too botherd about WhatsApp, I much prefer BBM, but almost everyone i know uses WA. My kids wife overseas family overseas friends, even my 75 year old mum. Please don't say i should move over to a Blackberry android device, i can't stand android iOS windows none of them. How can Blackberry go so wrong with BB10 OS? Nothing was wrong with BB10 but plenty was wrong with Blackberry as a company and that's why the best OS in the world has failed. I no longer trust the company or their products and yes I'll have to move to another OS but almost certainly it will not be a Blackberry device. Maybe the grass can be greener on the other side. Not looking forward to a new OS.

With all of the security threats in today's world BB10 is still the only operating system that has been unhacked. Identity theft is on the rise. Javelin Strategy & Research released a 2016 Identity Fraud Study of identity theft stats. The study revealed that 13.1 million U.S. consumers had lost approximately $15 billion as a result of identity thieves in 2015. In Canada 20,016 Canadian consumers had a loss of 6,5 million (http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/reports-rapports/2014/ann-ann-eng.htm#a28).

Consumers enjoy being able to easily download new apps, complete their shopping from their smartphone, and check and respond to emails. How can we be savvy smartphone users, and prevent the bad guys from compromising important information? Simple, buy a Blackberry operating on OS 10. Android and iOS users who say there are just not enough apps on BB10 overlook that their is always a great compromise with BB10. Maybe it is not the exact app you want but a comparable one? Personally, I would rather find an alternate app to use on BB10 then be subject to identity theft.

I believe that as identity theft and fraud become bigger problems than they already are, greater marketshare may very well move back to BB10. Why do I use BB10, security and a very smooth operating system. I don't worry about vulnerabilities on my mobile device or it's apps because I use a BB10.

To me everything but intrusive Google is important. Hence I got a Z30 ; never let me down; never had any 'issues'; I love the 'Hub'; the word program, reader, document organizer and and and. Hope it lasts a long time.

Tried to switch to a HomTom that kept answering itself whilst in my bag ... didn't inspire confidence so sent it back to China and went back to my beloved old Bold . Just updated to a Priv which I do like but I have to say I miss the roller ball and it could be a bit smaller and a bit more obviously blackberry and less android.

Hello, everyone :) I have been a proud BlackBerry user since 2009. I currently have the PRIV, of which I quite enjoy, I use my smartphone for lots of texts and emails for work. I very much like the physical keyboard, as I like to type the word personally and not have it filled in by suggested words, or on a touch screen. I feel, when you are in the world of typing, it is nice to have that personal touch an actual physical keyboard does that. Having said that, it is also nice to have the smartphone, everyone and their dog has, so to speak

I am a BBerry user since 2008 - I have children who use other smartphones and all I hear is how problematic they are. Never once have I had an issue with my device. I don't need to change it out very often (I have owned 2 since 2008).

Just a question. I had a Blackberry Q10 and it was awesome, until Blackberry said it will take off the support until June 2017. How would you manage this issue? I have lots of contacts with Whatsapp, and I don't know if sideloading the Android's Whatsapp will be as safe. I am wishing to buy a Z10, now that I got an iPod to listen to streaming music (what I mostly do).

I still use my BB Bold 9700, first registered in Nov 2009 (which i mistakenly discovered by touching B instead of T). This replaced an old Nokia upon typing was tortuous but my main focus was simply the phone call; it sufficed. The instant I picked up the Bold I was sold as it filled the main void in my toolkit: email. I hardly ever 'surf' except to check on the status of a flight or train when the carrier has not alerted me. I eventually found texting a more useful tool for many of my needs but the email is still the reason why i have it. I appreciate the elegant businesslike form and functionality. I am pleased that others still use it, let alone that old new stock is still available. The only issues i have had are when a battery freaks out. I have three i carry in my bag and one of them always works (again) eventually. Other than that when BB or AT&T changes something I need to call support: they are the best support staff I have encountered which is especially helpful as the problems generally occur while on the road. What's the saying..."From my cold dead hands". I just hope support continues for it

I have been using a Blackberry since the year 2000. Ive used almost every BB hand set. It was all about security for me. No i dont have anything to hide but just knowing im secure was a good feeling, like knowing your car or house is secure. The OS10 is the best by far, no doubt. ive used Z10 (three of them) Z30, Passport and now a PD P9982. Blackberry at its best......However, my PD is looking a bit tired now after 3 years and normally id just order the next flagship BlackBerry. ....But this time round, there is no flagship there is no OS10 and the way blackberry has treated its loyal fans leaves me asking myself, why would i buy another Blackberry? i have avoided Android for so many years and now if i want a Blackberry flagship Android is my only choice. In the past you had no option if you wanted security. Apple and Samsung now have great secure devices and you know theses two companies will still be around in ten years time. Blackberry on the other hand no longer build devices, no longer has its own OS so what do they have to offer? We are not even sure they will exist in two years time. Still waiting for the 10.3.3 update. How come Blackphone sell expensive secure handsets in small numbers and survive, why cant Blackberry?

I still use BlackBerry z10 which I bought a year ago. Actually I was not having an iPhone in my budget and I don't want an android because it seems to me a childish thing so I go for BlackBerry but now I am fully satisfied with it and now I would buy BlackBerry leap

My first smartphone was the Blackberry Z10. After a recent switch of carriers I was able to take on a new device but unfortunately, they didn't offer any Blackberry's in their product line up. I chose an Android device and told myself to use it for a month to get used to the operating system. 3 weeks later , I turned back to my Z10 because of ease of communication, thanks to the HUB. That and the sync of both work and personal calendars in one. I use my phone to assist my work day, not to listen to music or play games. If that's your desire then I'm sure your iPhone and Android are superb, but to organize my day with an o/s that is easy to set up and personalize to my taste, then Blackberry is still my preferred choice.

I am supporting BlackBerry one time shoe shine! I loved my 8520 curve that phone was like chuck Norris it wouldn't break and I know a code for all the old Blackberry's that gives you a menu to clear that makes your phone switch on faster and operate faster like when you first got it, won't deleted anything valuable to you but lone story short then I got a Blackberry torch and the slide touch screen and keypad was the ultimate! Using now a Z3 BlackBerry and most user friendly ever people must come take me on with that and when my phone is on charge it doesn't get hot!!!!!! Only if on the Internet and charging but that's normal so BLACKBERRY ALL THE WAY!

My 1st smartphone was a Blackberry Bold and I used it for about 4 years before switching to Android. Initially I struggled to get used to the non-pyhysical keyboard on Android. But now I'm okay with it. I don't miss anything about the BlackBerry bold 9780 which routinely froze when in use. I don't have to close a PDF or word document I'm working on when I connect my Android phone to my laptop and I can still have access to it on the laptop. I disconnect the Android phone without closing the document and it won't get corrupted. That I couldn't do on the Bold blackberry.

With regards to security issue how can reconcile your support of the BlackBerry's security with this story:
a Vice News report revealed that Canadian police had access to a master encryption key in its investigation that allowed it to intercept over 1 million messages sent using BlackBerry Messenger between 2010 and 2012.
It wasn’t clear as how the key was obtained and whether BlackBerry handed it over to Canadian law enforcement to assist in a 2011 murder case involving a Montreal crime organization.
Today, BlackBerry CEO John Chen confirmed that the company had cooperated with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) but didn’t specify whether it had shared an encryption key.
“We have long been clear in our stance that tech companies as good corporate citizens should comply with reasonable lawful access requests,” Chen said in a blog post.
He added, “This very belief was put to the test in an old case that recently resurfaced in the news, which speculated on and challenged BlackBerry’s corporate and ethical principles. In the end, the case resulted in a major criminal organization being dismantled. Regarding BlackBerry’s assistance, I can reaffirm that we stood by our lawful access principles.”
BlackBerry’s stance on sharing access to users’ private data with governments contrasts sharply with Apple’s position on the matter. Recently, the iPhone maker refused to assist the US Department of Justice in unlocking a handset believed to be owned by the terrorist involved in the San Bernardino attacks.http://thenextweb.com/mobile/2016/04/19/blackberry-okay-helping-governments-spy-users-sometimes/#gref

I still use my Blackberry Z30 (and I have a Q5 when I want something smaller to carry) and I have no desire to switch. I love Android and IOS as tablets but for a phone, I don't want all the extra stuff that I would never use. (I would never work on photos on a phone for example)

I love my Ipad so I tried an Iphone for a bit and hated it. The battery was awful, the keyboard was awful, and the phone calls were awful. I got rid of that and never went back.

It's sad that more people don't give BB10 a try. It is far and away the best phone OS available. I see all these battery packs for sale in flyers and am thankful I never have to worry about making it to the end of a day without one or a charger. I've never had my Z30 crash or lock up on me..EVER. I never have to do a reboot because it's slowing down.

BB10 is so intuitive and fast for things I want from a phone like talk, text, and email, there is no comparison in efficiency to either IOS or Android. My 3 year old Z30 makes my Ipad Pro look like it's sitting still when it comes to composing and sending an email.

It's also the only device I trust for doing my banking on. I don't even use my computer for online banking.

I even dug out my old Torch (still my favourite BB) last week and was toying with trying it again for a while but I realized quickly how much of an improvement BB10 is over BBOS and went back to the Z30.

As much as I like the look of the Priv, and maybe I'll get one someday, I wish they would've released a BB10 version as well. I don't want to give up the efficiency of BB10. I hope they don't stop making new BB10's for all Android or I'll be sticking with my old ones (and maybe trying to find backups on Ebay).

I think BB10 will go down in history like BetaMax; the better technology that was overshadowed by inferior but more popular technology. The more I think about BB10 disappearing, the more I think I would consider going to a plain feature phone instead. As long as I have a tablet for playing with apps at home, I think it would be liberating to only carry something like my old Star-Tac again when I went out.

I have been using a BlackBerry Passport for over a year now. BEST business phone I've ever had, and this is my 14th phone! The physical keyboard was the main reason for purchasing a BlackBerry Passport as I do a lot of texting for work. The BlackBerry HUB, that is part of the BlackBerry system (which I never heard of before), has made my work life so much more productive. All in all, the MOST productive business phone made, bar none!

I ahve been a BlackBerry user since 2008.
Absolutely loved every handset that i have used.
Currently i am using Z30, which is a great handset in every concievable manner except for the application database that Blackberry world has.
BB10 OS has come of ages, giving its user unparalleled mobile experience.
Its extremely sad to see such a strong and capable OS going down.
I am eagerly waiting for BlackBerry Mercury which is scheduled to he launched in February, I hope it gives blackberry a much needed second chance.

Matthew Hughes is a software developer and writer from Liverpool, England. He is seldom found without a cup of strong black coffee in his hand and absolutely adores his Macbook Pro and his camera. You can read his blog at http://www.matthewhughes.co.uk and follow him on twitter at @matthewhughes.